It is all systems go for next Saturday's Grand National - unless the race's four-year jinx strikes again.

No superstition here of course but who can forget the disasters that hit racing's biggest day in 1993 and 1997?

Eight years ago Esha Ness won the race that wasn't. The event was declared void after a chaotic series of false starts.

In 1997 a bomb scare knocked out the National and the course was evacuated. It was two days later that Lord Gyllene scored his runaway success.

Four years on and the outbreak of foot and mouth disease could possibly still scupper the world's most famous horse race.

Aintree is insistent that the disease should have no effect on the three-day meeting which is set to go under orders on Thursday.

Racing's now familiar disinfection procedures have been in place for several days already and it will take a nearby outbreak of the disease to put off the race.

The course is also mounting a major security operation to guard against terrorism and the ever-present threat from animal rights protesters.

Given that the race goes ahead it may be a case of fourth time lucky for Sussex horse Brave Highlander.

The 13-year-old is one of the National's hardy veterans. Regardless of his form on normal tracks, he always reserves his best for the big Liverpool race.

Trained at Findon by Josh Gifford, the horse put up his best effort last year, finishing fourth behind Papillon, two places better than his run 12 months earlier.

He was also running a big race on his first National attempt, parting company with Philip Hide at the Canal Turn second time around when well in touch.

This year the injury-plagued horse has stayed free of trouble and his preparation has gone much better.

He has run a couple of good races, although not surprisingly failing to trouble the judge. But Gifford has made no secret of the fact that everything has been geared towards Aintree.

If the race does, as expected, go ahead Brave Highlander will once again be in with a shout.

Sussex-trained Brave Highlander is a best-priced 40-1 for the National at present. Those odds will be shorter on the day and, if the ground is good, there will be far worse outsiders come the big race on Saturday.